The residents of Grayslake have wonderful, constantly improving recreational facilities and programming at their disposal so that everyone who wishes to do so can stay fit, healthy and engaged.
The Grayslake Community Park District recently received the last 35-acre land donation for Alleghany Park. The final acreage will feature 4 soccer fields, two T-ball fields, walking paths, additional parking, a future restroom/concession building and a future playground. “We began working on Alleghany Park in 2004 and the final land donation will complete the 90-acre sports park,” said Kristin Splitt, executive director for the Grayslake Park District.
Other recent projects include the installation of a lightning detection/warning system at Alleghany Park, resurfacing of the basketball courts and creation of pickleball courts at Sunrise Park, and replacement of the Cambridge Park playground.
“We have 33 parks within our district, so we try to replace at least one playground every year and will continue to finance some smaller-scale improvements until the state reinstates its grant program or we find an alternative source of funding,” Splitt said. “I am very pleased with how successful we have been in using district resources.”
The district also operates the Grayslake Golf Course, a scenic and sporty 9-hole par 3 course that’s open to the public. Designed by award winning Martin Design Partnership, the course is only 1,200 yards in length and the hazards, bunker berms and greens combine for a memorable golfing experience. The course can be enjoyed by someone just learning the game or by a seasoned golfer trying to improve his or her iron play.
The Grayslake Park District offers an impressive variety of programming and special events all year long, including Pumpkin Fest, the Polar Express train ride, the Taste of Grayslake Family Picnic and Fireworks, an Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Performances in the Park, golf tournaments, a Mother-Son Superhero Dance and a Father-Daughter Dance.
This year, the district held its first GO GRAYSLAKE Community Walk as part of a new park district-sponsored initiative designed to increase community health and wellness. The park district has partnered with the Lake County Health Department on its county-wide GO Lake County initiative to improve community health. The mission of GO GRAYSLAKE is to encourage everyone who lives, works nd plays in Grayslake to get moving for 30 minutes every day.
“Whether it is the pitter patter of tap shoes in the Expressions Dance Studio or preschool students playing together in the I Love Learning Preschool classrooms, the Recreation Center is always buzzing with activity,” Splitt said. The district offers programming for a variety of ages, including parent and tot music classes, little league soccer, youth basketball leagues, girls softball, adult fitness classes, adult recreation classes and trips for adults and seniors.
The day trip program for adults and seniors is very popular, Splitt noted. Groups regularly take trips to plays, museums, restaurants and casinos. The district provides transportation and coordinates trip details, so all participants have to do is show up and enjoy the day. Occasionally, groups travel to professional baseball games, take boat tours and visit historic landmarks.
The park district offers a wide range of recreational programs and activities year-round. In the cooler months, the district hosts a variety of open gyms at the Recreation Center. With everything from basketball to parent & tot playtime, senior walking club to badminton, there’s an open gym activity for all ages and interests.
Learn more about the Grayslake Park District at www.glpd.com.